Action movies have nailed it. You know the effect — the rumbling boom of an explosion, the hero is thrown backward, hits the ground hard, and we’re right there with them as the camera shakes and bounces. But you don’t need to have millions of dollars to simulate an earthquake or a car crash in your videos. Adding a video shake effect is easy when using software like Premiere Pro and After Effects.
Fortunately, there are plenty of downloadable presets to help get you started. Here you’ll find 20 of our favorite effects for Premiere Pro, After Effects, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve. Stick around for some hints and tips on how to implement them at the end of the list!
Summary
Part 1: Top 20 Video Shake Effects to Download
Premiere Pro
1. Camera Shake
This is a Premiere Pro preset that includes a couple of different realistic camera shake movements. Each shake preset lasts around a minute. Drag and drop them onto your 1920×1080 projects.
2. Shake The Camera Or Text
Check out this Premiere Pro preset! Perfect for applying camera shake to something specific within the video, like text or particles.
Download Shake The Camera Or Text Now
3. Short Shake Kit
The Short Shake Kit is a great package bursting with camera shake presets. RGB, strobe, blinking, flickering, and glitch effects can all be applied to the camera or individual elements.
4. Hard Shake Text Transitions
Here’s something a little different — apply the camera shake to text in a video to create awesome transitions. This package includes 10 transitions and is ideal for enhancing any kind of text animation.
Download Hard Shake Text Transitions Now
5. Shake Text Transitions
Take your pick from 11 different shake text transitions to bring your videos to life. This is a simple Premiere Pro preset that requires no plugins to run.
Download Shake Text Transitions Now
6. Wiggle Presets
Ditch the need for keyframes with this handy preset. Add some subtle movement to your text with a simple drag and drop wiggle asset.
7. Ultimate Earthquake
Simulating an earthquake in your short film? This free pack for Premiere contains six different types of shakes to choose from.
Download Ultimate Earthquake Now
8. Deadpool Handheld Camera Presets
Use these Deadpool presets to give your footage a handheld camera look instantly. The pack was created using genuine camera movements rather than digital adjustments to make an authentic camera shake.
Download Deadpool Handheld Camera Presets Now
After Effects
9. After Effects Shake Preset
This dynamically animated camera shake preset requires zero plugins adds energy to movement to whatever kind of content you’re creating. Whether it’s a short film for YouTube or a corporate presentation, elevate your production in no time at all.
Download After Effects Shake Preset Now
10. Real Camera Shakes
This mix of shakes includes a couple that requires plugins, but they’re worth exploring. Diagonal shakes can be used to add effects to earthquakes or just stylish transitions.
Download Real Camera Shakes Now
11. Shake Transition
This great little camera shake is specifically designed for transitions. Shake up your audience and get from one scene to the next in a slick camera move. The pack includes a tutorial on how to create your own in After Effects.
12. Smooth Camera Shake
This preset is so easy to apply to your compositions by just clicking and dragging. There’s no excuse not to download it and start experimenting. It’s also fully customizable to give you exactly the result you need.
Download Smooth Camera Shake Now
13. Reel Transition Presets
Get 10 unique transitions with thousands of possibilities. Mix, match, and combine to your heart’s content to create whatever camera shake transition you like. This pack is all about putting the power into your hands.
Download Reel Transition Presets Now
14. Shakes and Warps AE Preset Pack
There’s a huge amount to unpack in this generous preset box. Particles, color effects, warps, shakes, transitions, blur — there’s bound to be something in here for your project. Get stuck in.
Download Shakes and Warps AE Preset Pack Now
Final Cut Pro
15. Free Shake Transition
We couldn’t leave out all you Final Cut Pro X video editors, could we? These completely free shake transitions are easy to drop in and super stylish.
Free Shake Transition Download
16. ProShake
This is an awesome bumper pack for FCPX users: 50 presets and stackable effects to combine for customized results. All easy to use in Final Cut Pro, and a huge amount to play with for just 30 bucks.
17. Wiggle Transitions
These options are fun. Check out all 12 wiggle expression presets, 6 floating presets, and 5 zoom presets for Final Cut Pro. But make sure you’re using them with a 16:9 aspect ratio to get full use out of them.
Download Wiggle Transitions Now
18. Shaky Cam
FCP Effects point out a huge advantage of this realistic camera shake: if you only have a tripod, rig up a remote camera setup and add in the shake to convey the presence of a camera operator.
DaVinci Resolve
19. Real Action Camera Shakes
This pack comes with 12 action camera shake effects that can easily be applied directly to your clip or an adjustment layer. Skillfully designed, edit your videos like a professional in your next promo video.
Download Real Action Camera Shakes Now
20. Camera Shake Transitions
Composed of different effects like shake, bounce, flash, and camera offset movement, these camera shake transitions are perfect for any cinematic or music video. Easily customize each transition macro, such as the strength of the shaking effect, flash effect, or speed, and move your projects to the next level.
Download Camera Shake Transitions Now
Part 2: Getting Started With Camera Shake Effects Settings
With many of these effects, there are plenty of settings you can explore to get the perfect results. If you want to customize the camera shake, there are a few key points to look at.
Frequency
Frequency is how often the camera is shaking. A really high frequency could end up looking like a vibration so use this carefully.
Direction
Next, you need to think about the way you want the camera to move: horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. Or maybe, something else entirely! The best result depends on the context of the film, so think about why you are applying the shake in the first place.
Motion Blur
A bit of motion blur can add some realism to your camera shakes, particularly if it’s moving quickly. Adjust the amount of blur depending on how frequently the camera is moving.
Elements Selection
Finally, consider which elements within the video you want to apply the shake to. Is it everything? Or just a few key parts? How do you want the shake to affect particles and text? Take some time to explore different settings and sliders, don’t just settle for the default.
The trick with adding camera shake effects is not to go overboard. Use the video shake effect sparingly to enhance your content. You don’t want it to be distracting. A bit of experimentation and a bit of careful thought can add a lot of depth and style to your videos.
